Portland’s CityFair—the carnival crown jewel of the Rose Festival—is back and ready to take over Tom McCall Waterfront Park from May 23 to June 8, 2025. With three weekends of rides, snacks, and “yes, we can stay five more minutes” moments, it’s the unofficial launch of summer for families in the Rose City. Whether you’re chasing thrills, snacks, or just your sugar-fueled toddler, here’s what to expect.
🎡 Rides for Every Age (and Stomach Strength)
CityFair’s got rides for everyone—from gentle carousel twirls to adrenaline-filled spins that leave you questioning your lunch choices. Little kids can enjoy the tame stuff like mini cars, while teens (and brave parents) can head for the Ferris wheel, where the views of Portland’s skyline and the Willamette River almost make you forget how high up you are.
💡 Pro tip: Grab a ride bracelet to avoid constantly digging for tickets between rides. Buy vouchers online during the fair weekends (May 23–26, May 30–June 1, and June 6–8) to save money and support the Rose Festival’s community programs. Look at you, having fun and doing good.
🌭 Fuel for Fun (and Future Naps)
You’re not truly at a fair until someone’s holding a corn dog in one hand and a cotton candy cloud in the other. CityFair comes through with all the classics—burgers, ice cream, funnel cakes—and, because this is Portland, some local foodie flair that might just involve lavender or artisanal marshmallows.
Picky eaters? No problem. Many vendors offer kid-sized portions. Just remember to bring a reusable water bottle because May sunshine + fried food = thirst levels you didn’t know existed.
🎤 Music, Magic & Rosarian Cameos
The entertainment lineup is pure family gold. Expect everything from live music and dance acts to street performers who juggle fire or twist balloons into questionably accurate unicorns. The main stage often features local talent, while the fairgrounds host face painting and other kid-pleasing activities.
And don’t be surprised if a Royal Rosarian walks by like Portland royalty or a float from the Rose Festival sneaks through. CityFair keeps things festive and just a little unpredictable.
🎨 Chill Activities & Waterfront Wandering
When you’re ready to slow things down, head to the kids’ zone for games, crafts, and budget-friendly activities that don’t involve spinning upside down. A relaxing stroll along the Willamette offers views of docked naval ships (Fleet Week rolls in during early June) or the opening night fireworks on May 23—a guaranteed “ooh-ahh” moment for the whole family.
Feeling educational? Check out booths hosted by local organizations. It’s fun and informative, which means you can officially call it a “learning experience” on Instagram.
🗺️ CityFair Survival Tips (From Someone Who’s Been in the Cotton Candy Trenches)
- 🎟️ Admission is ticketed—visit rosefestival.org for prices, especially family deals.
- 🚆 Parking downtown is like playing Tetris with minivans—take TriMet’s MAX Light Rail if you can. Bonus: kids love it.
- 👟 Dress in layers because it’s Portland. It could be sunny, rainy, and windy—all before lunch.
- 🧃 Pack snacks and water to balance out the inevitable sugar rush.
- 👶 Strollers are welcome, but keep your head on a swivel—it gets busy fast.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It (Again)
CityFair isn’t just about rides or fried food—it’s about making memories. Maybe it’s your toddler’s first Ferris wheel ride, your teen’s 47th selfie, or just a quiet moment with lemonade by the river. It’s the kind of event that reminds you summer is about fun, togetherness, and maybe a balloon sword or two.
📍 So mark the dates: May 23 to June 8, 2025.
🎟️ Visit rosefestival.org for tickets, schedules, and updates.
Let the countdown to summer fun begin!
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.